Behind-the-scenes stories about “The Notebook” have been circulating since its release, revealing interesting details about the iconic romance film. From the rumored tension between Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams to Britney Spears’ near-casting, the film has generated numerous whispers.
One lesser-known tidbit involves George Clooney, who was almost cast in the role of Noah, a part eventually played by Ryan Gosling. Interestingly, Clooney’s casting would have involved Hollywood legend Paul Newman portraying the older version of the character.
Clooney shared the story, stating, “I was going to do a movie years ago called The Notebook, that Ryan Gosling actually did, and I was going to do it with Paul Newman. I was playing the flashback, and Paul Newman was the old guy.” On paper, the casting of two heavyweight actors seemed fitting, but Clooney himself recognized a crucial issue.
Reflecting on the casting decision, Clooney expressed his realization, saying, “I can’t do this movie, Paul.” The primary concern was that Paul Newman was too well-known for audiences to accept Clooney portraying him at 30 years old. The physical differences, including eye color, contributed to the decision to abandon the project.
Clooney recalled the conversation with Newman, where he voiced his concerns about the believability of the age transition. Newman agreed, saying, “I guess you’re right.” Ultimately, the two actors decided against the project, and the film was not made at that time.
The decision proved wise, as years later, “The Notebook” was successfully produced with Ryan Gosling portraying the younger Noah and James Garner as the older Noah. The film went on to become a beloved and emotionally impactful classic, showcasing the serendipitous alignment of casting that resonated with audiences worldwide.